Fed up with the choices you've had in recent general elections? Participating in Minnesota's upcoming primary election is how to shape the field of candidates on the November ballot.

Most of the high-profile races in Tuesday's primary are on the GOP side. There will be many local races on the ballot, too.

There's a four-way scrum to pick the Republican nominee to run against DFL Gov. Mark Dayton in the governor's race. Businessman Scott Honour; Hennepin County commissioner Jeff Johnson, who's the GOP-endorsed candidate; former state House Minority Leader Marty Seifert; and former state House Speaker Kurt Zellers are the top contenders.

Republicans also will pick a U.S. Senate nominee to oppose DFL Sen. Al Franken. State lawmaker Jim Abeler and David Carlson are among those taking on businessman Mike McFadden, the GOP-endorsed candidate.

In Minnesota's 6th Congressional District, which includes the St. Cloud area, Republicans are picking a U.S. House nominee who could succeed Rep. Michele Bachmann. Former gubernatorial nominee Tom Emmer, the GOP-endorsed candidate, and Anoka County Board chair Rhonda Sivarajah are vying for a spot on the November ballot.

Minnesota DFLers have one statewide race that's sharply contested, for state auditor. The incumbent, Rebecca Otto, faces a challenge from former House Minority Leader Matt Entenza.

Many local and school-board races also will be on Tuesday's primary ballot.

Here's a look at some that are contested:

• Benton County Commission, District 2. The candidates are Denny Niess, Ed Popp and Miles Seppelt.

There are two types of races on the primary ballot: partisan races for state and federal offices and nonpartisan races for local posts.

Minnesota holds what's called an open primary, and it doesn't have political party registration. So you don't have to register or be formally affiliated with a party to vote for their candidates in a primary.

However, in partisan races, you only may vote for candidates from one political party. You can't vote for a DFL candidate in one race, then for a Republican in another.